My only problem with this is the “high school” part. Really. I have a hard time being snarky about cheerleaders. I love cheerleading and used to watching the cheer competitions on ESPN2 when that was a good 80% of their programming. That shit is hard, (dancing, gymnastics, not sweating through your make-up), and all the videos in the world mocking the USC Song Girls cannot and will not change my view of cheerleaders.

My problem with “high school” as being the benchmark for female form is that it is a fallacy. Your body keeps growing into your twenties, and the idea that high school is the best shape you can be in as a woman is when you are 17 is ludicrous. Personally I was in great shape in college, running back and forth to the boathouse everyday and never did gain the dreaded freshman 15, but I still managed to go up a couple of cup sizes and my hips got an inch wider between the ages of 18 and 21. I became more womanly, and I don’t think I would ever want high school shape back again.

Would have it been so hard for CMT to find some former college cheerleaders? At least find women that would have been say, women, before they fell out of shape?

(I would however love to go back to my shape at age 29 when I was 19% body fat and a size 4-6, but that involved weight training four days a week, not seeing a carb in 6 months, and a fair amount of ephedra. I am the last person to ever lecture on accepting one’s own body shape.)

Hey gang! New commenter here, but I had to jump in when I saw the post. I actually do the boot camp here in Dallas with Jay Johnson (was up at the butt-crack for a workout just this morning!).

He told us about the show, but not sure when filming will start or if they’ll even be at my workout location. I can’t say enough nice/awesome things about Jay and his crew though – they’re amazing… I’ll let you guys know if the cameras start rolling!

I completely agree with everything in this post and it’s rather sad too: The pinnacle of your life was your high school self? I barely knew who I was as a high school cheerleader and definitely wasn’t fully happy with the body I had. That’s not to mention that it’s nearly impossible to go back to being less than 100 pounds and flatter chested. I didn’t fully become a woman–physically or mentally–until college too, and I was far happier then.

How is this in any way different than what the NFL Network shows in the off-season, following various dancers and wannabe-cheerleaders as they attempt to make the cut? (Which, other than being tremendously prurient viewing material, also makes for compelling TV.)

Nonetheless, I look forward to watching and secretly marveling at the show, once I figure out where the fuck CMT is on DirectTV. (Sandwiched somewhere between the “700 Club Network” and “Brigham Young TV” I suspect.)

As a former cheerleader, and current high school cheerleading coach, thanks for giving cheerleading some credit. I would not, under any circumstance, want to go back to being my HS self, body or otherwise.

And for the record, the Cowboys “cheerleaders,” like pretty much every squad that supports a pro team, is a dance squad. They don’t tumble or stunt, just dance. Except for the Florida Marlins’ Mermaids. I have know idea what they do, except walk around the stadium looking skanky.

Kat – I think they’ve already filmed if it starts in Oct, but please, I’d love to hear more about this boot camp. Do you have a link?

Chitown – You are fascinating to me! Ultimate Fighting loving cheerleader coach! (And agreed on the Mermaids thing. One of them lived in my condo building when I lived in SoFlorida, drove this white Corvette with the vanity plate, “DOLLFAN”.

As a former HS cheerleader whose team *did* go to the UCA HS Nationals at Disney way back in the day, I would have loved to go back and do real cheerleading again (i.e. stunts and throwing people around and all that). Being a Dallas Cowboy “cheerleader” is just like doing a dance routine without all the rest of the fun stuff!

TSW – they must be filming at a different location then (they have bootcamps all over the DFW metroplex), but I’ll most likely see Jay on Monday or Wed., so I’ll ask him.

I haven’t seen him on any of the TV shows he’s done, but in person he is quite captivating – all muscle and charisma, and his voice sounds like he should be a smoker, but in this sexy military way. The workouts are reminiscent of high school sports practices, at least in my experience…except minus my coach’s clipboard flying angrily past my face as she kicks me out of the gym – argh! My friends think I’m crazy, but I’ve lost about 15lbs in 4 months without dieting – woot woot!

I don’t understand what’s so ridiculous. I mean, this is how women are supposed to look. If all the women weren’t so busy trying to be little miss independent then maybe our soldiers would be home from Iraq. I’m not sure how they’re connected, but I’m sure they are. Way to go, independent fatties.

My friend is actually on this show and I can’t wait to see what they do for her. Her main motivation for going on the show was to get into shape and not be a cheerleader again.
She is a real sweetie, so I hope they are all nice girls, but of course you won’t watch if they are will you?

I would like to get on to this show if it fit into my work schedule. I’m a lot older than the women who are probably on the show. Turned 40 this year. Lately the comments have been something like this; “you have such a pretty face” etc… A teenager innocently said to me, “I bet you were good looking when you were thinner and younger.” Ugh… Regardless, I think this show can give women incentive to take care of themselves and put themselves higher up on the list of priorities. I plan on watching it.

I had not listened too much to “country music” since my sister pasted two years ago..This music we grew up on…made us laugh and made us cry and sometimes made us “different” from our piers in the younger years. We woke up every morning to my Mom’s country station on the radio..no disturbing “bad morning news” just good ole’ country music. It was a good time.
I have had many good times since then and somehow the country in me keeps coming back, such as CMT.
I went to dinner with my husband this evening and while relaxing I turned to CMT (It is now 3:45AM central time and he is well asleep but I have enjoyed the memorys of the songs I have heard) when I heard the “I want to look like a cheerleader again” ad….I was more of a Tomboy but was also blessed with a nice body; breasts bigger than my age and Cherokee skin and hair. I have maintained my physical being with the help of the YMCA.
I will turn 46 in November of this year and would CHEERISH the opportunity to regain the image of myself that I see in pictures – even recent ones!!! Does one have to be “literally” a “Dallas Cheerleader” to want to bring back the “ME” that is ME??? Please respond if I can submit pictures to find a place in this competition.
Respectfully,

What a good idea turned into a joke. Have you really looked at the contestants? It’s ridiculous. I was excited to see this show until I saw the fitness instructors, personal trainers, and ex-pro football cheerleaders they actually chose for the show. There is only one real contestant that would benefit from this show, Britney. Check out the bios and get disgusted for yourself at “cmtpress”. Whoever cast this show wanted skinny women to begin with. Here, you can suck on my pom….sore, yea.

Let me get this straight you said”I was excited to see this show until I saw the fitness instructors, personal trainers, and ex-pro football cheerleaders they actually chose for the show. There is only one real contestant that would benefit from this show, Britney.” Britney and Lisa are the only 2 that have ex-pro football experience. All the girls look as if they need weight loss or a fitness program. I am sure they had to chose women that could lose the weight or get in shape in 8 weeks. Props to all the girls that made the show and wanted to challenge their self.

Submitted info to be on the show. Prayed to get picked. I don’t put myself first or take care of myself. Gee, it’s nice to know that I was even too fat to qualify. This would’ve been perfect for me…I don’t have a full-time job and how else would I devote the time away from my work, team, kids, etc.? I would’ve had nothing but time to concentrate on this show. I’m still very active in cheerleading (coach, judge, choreographer). Personal trainers, models, etc. didn’t need the show. I knew they’d pick people that weren’t “truly” fat b/c of the time-frame to get them in shape. We wouldn’t Jay to look bad if WE don’t look like super-models by the end of the show. I’ll watch…’cos I’m a cheer geek…can’t get enough. I watch the DCC shows and I think Jay is AWESOME. Most pro-cheerleaders aren’t cheerleaders in my opinion, but I still love it. It was very emotional to even take a pic of myself in a swimsuit (ugh) and then to see who they picked is truly disappointing after what I put myself through to apply for it.

TO TELL YA THE TRUTH. . . I WAS NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHEERLEADER. I HUNG OUT WITH THE ROCKERS AND DOPE HEADS… I LOVED CHEER IN HIGH SCHOOL. NOW I’M 33 AND HAVE 6 KIDS AND MY HUSBAND IS GOING TO IRAQ. YOU CAN BET YOUR BOTTOM $$$ THAT I WOULD “JUMP AND CHEER” AT THE CHANCE TO GET SOME REAL HELP TO GET BACK INTO SHAPE BEFOR HE GOT HOME, NOT TO MENTION BEING A HUGE ROLE MODLE FOR MY DAUGHTERS, SO THEY KNOW YOU CAN STILL HAVE ‘IT’ EVEN AFTER KIDS. THANKS FOR THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.

Ya’ know…I can’t find the info where I sent it. My sister first found it and hooked me up. She tried out too. I do know that it’s actually through TRIAGE ENTERTAINMENT. After being so disappointed that I didn’t get picked…I erased the e-mails and pitched the application. They did casting calls in several major cities, but only put the info out in these magazines that entertainment people read (like want-ads for actors). I just saw a website for Randi (cast member). Go to randilange.com. Gee…she really needed the help, didn’t she?! I’m sure she’s getting her share of hate mail. So, should the PLASTIC 40+ woman from Orange Co., Cali…Plastic capitol of the world! Please?!

AT 43 A FEW TO MANY POUNDS , 2 KIDS ,1 EX HOUSBAND , AND 25 YEARS OF RUNNING WILD , CAME HOME AND GOT FAT . WHERE DO I APPLIE ? I’M THE PERFECT CANIDATE I SO WAS A CHEERLEADER, SOME WHERE BACK THEN. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE SEE YOU THERE

HELLO I SAW THIS AND WAS LIKE WOW I THINK IT SHOULD BE ALOT OF FUN FOR SOME OF US OLDER WOMEN!!LOL…I AM ACTUALLY REALLY INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT FOR THE SHOW AND WOULD LIKE TO GET INFO… FOR THE NEXT SEASON!!!WELL BEST OF LUCK TO ALL!!!!

Wow, didnt expect to see all the negativity. Its just a show designed for entertainment and to get your attention. Marketing, marketing, marketing. Would they have gotten your attention by saying i want to look like a college cheerleader? and they definately wouldnt have anyone’s symptathy or well wishes if they went with “i want to look like a professional cheerleader”……..they chose the name wisely (the proof is all these postings!!) *smile*. As for the plastic OC remark, i happen to know one of the contestants personally and she was chosen because she has charisma, drive, marketable everything the network needs to get YOU to watch. (you go Lisa)!! and And as for the “plastic remarks” it would not have been made if you actually KNEW her. She has the natural anatomy she had SINCE highschool, so as the kids say…. “dont hate!”. I’m Looking forward to the show JUSt to be entertained, not to criticize…..

I would love to try out for the show. I think it would be a fun way to get back in shape. It has been 20 years since I was a cheerleader. I don’t think at 110 lbs back then that I had any body fat….lol However,20 years later and 3 kids I am very out of shape. I have 2 other friends that would love to go head to head and try to win this competition with me.

I think that all of the girls had a fair chance at getting on the show.Sorry to all of the too fat girls who are whining about not getting on the show. Get a grip or go to the freakin gym to maybe be presenable on televsion!!! I give a hell yeah to all of the girls who made it. Especially to the 40 somthing that made it on the show. She wouldn’t be there if she wanted to buy hey newly toned body the correct way!!

EEEK!! How could I miss this great opportunity to get back into shape? I have a reoccurring dream about not knowing when cheerleading tryouts are and hoping that I have enough time to lose weight. I want to be on the next show!!! It would be fun :) See you all there.

Ya’ know I’m over it. It IS all about marketing like someone said earlier. Someone said they vote for the one that’s “hot.” Exactly my point…she’s hot. She didn’t need the show. She obviously has the means to get even skinnier than she already is. They picked people who didn’t need it b/c they only gave themselves 8 wks. to get it done. That’s not realistic for a real woman. I feel sorry for Jay b/c I’m sure he would’ve enjoyed a realistic challenge. By the way, “In Shape” step off this site ‘cos your name says…you don’t belong. Yes, the 40 something looks great…my point again people…geesh?! “Personal trainer”….helllloooo?!…the show was a weight loss show…us too fat chicks are the ones who should’ve been there, duh?! “XRaidergal” mentioned Cali’s “natural anatomy she had SINCE highschool.” Again, people…wrong show for her! “Rosiepetal” read the bios again…many have entertainment ties…and jello, I am not…just a bunch of muscle covered w/a stubborn layer of fat. And, as far as getting to the gym. This real woman doesn’t have enough money to buy a gym membership. I teach tumbling, coach cheerleading/dance, ride a bike, workout w/my team…etc. But, b/c of years of cheerleading…I hurt so I avoid the BIG stuff. But, Jay would’ve inspired me to keep going thru it. I have a few small jobs (b/c other jobs don’t pay off when you factor in gas and daycare), I have a family to support and the family always comes first. C’mon, I live in small-town America where REAL women live. Taking care of me comes last…so the perfect atmosphere would’ve been to be secluded in Dallas 24-7 with Jay to kick my butt and motivate to think of me and only me…oh yeah…and the $50K! Go ahead and ban me from this site…don’t care…I’m done ‘cos the ones who are yellin’ back obviously don’t get it. If you’re a FAT chick like me, you know what I’m talking about…nuff said. I’m out!

Boo-hoo, boo-hoo. Television is about entertainment, and more so about people or characters that are appealing and/or interesting. That is precisely the reason a “real” woman like yourself will always be on the couch looking at those who don’t just talk, but make it happen.